Mmmm... sounds yummy, LSPE!

The other thing we were kicking around was the TibetNepal house in Old Town, but Chris chose the one I've made reservations at, so I'm letting the BD boy make the decision.

Wait... you made reservations already? Some of us are on a budget, lady! And, no offense, but who is "we"? There are several people coming to this shindig!

The "we" I was refering to is Chris and I. I thought I'd let him have a choice for once (since it is his BD).

But, he's pretty flexible, as am I.

And, of course I made a reservation. We can't just drop into a restaurant with a group of 10 - 15. We're only a week out. But, reservations can be changed.

The entrees at the place Chris chose are in the same range as the last Pasadena Swanking (the Mojito place ISM keeps mentioning). It didn't seem like it was out of our "traditional" range.

So everyone else is in the loop on our discussion-- I didn't remember that the swanking involved a LoTter birthday! Of course the birthday boy should select. And we'll budget accordingly. (Expect a swanking to involve Ethiopian food on March 10, though!)

Mmmmmm, Ethiopian food - I haven't had that in a long time...

La Maschera sounded kind of swanky and had the distinct advantage of being walking distance from the Norton Simon, so potentially less trouble for us all to find multiple parking spaces (and fees). However, I'm flexible - I know there are a ton of restaurants in Pasadena, so if this one's too extravagant, or you know of other swanky digs that can accommodate a group our size, I'm open to suggestions - but I think we need to make arrangements soon.

Also, while this swanking corresponds with my birthday, the best present I could have is spending a day with a bunch of hepcats like yourselves, sharing an indulgence in art, conversation, and food. In other words no presents please, I'd rather you try that other appetizer, dessert, or cocktail instead.

As one who must find some way to trim my restaurant budget for the year, I'm not averse to avoiding expensivish meals. But a birthday swanking is not one of those occassions, and I really don't consider La Machera's prices to catapult them into the realm of expensive restaurants (but perhaps that's part of my problem).

In any event, alas, I can never participate in anything that has a fusion with Thai food or anything served in restaurants that also prepare Thai food. Health concerns and all.

But don't get me wrong. I like to try new things. (hehe, I'm only bemoaning the mojitos because it's been more than a year since I had a decent one). And I am also not averse to less expensive dining on many subsquent swankings.

Aw, nuts!

We could post another poll for La Machera or we could go with the bierthday boy's preference. Speaking for myself, I think that La Machera is very affordable (since the entrees are NOT $31-$50 each - see the menu I posted in a previous post) - but I don't know if it is okay for everyone. The fact that it is so close to Norton Simon is a bonus. And it sounds like a tres swank place.

We're good with it, especially knowing the entrees are not $50. (We're actually less good with the Tibetan food; nothing on the menu for Tom's health issues.) Bring the swank.